How to Recover Deleted M4V Files | 3 Ways

What is the M4V file format?

M4V files are video containers used by Apple for videos in the iTunes Store. They are also occasionally used in other facilities, but this is their main origin and purpose.

M4V files are very similar to the more common MP4 file format, which is used on various platforms across the internet. Both file types use the MPEG-4 video container format.

The main difference between the two file types is the copyright protection of M4V DRM. This protection ensures that M4V files can only be played on computers that have authorised access to the account that purchased the video product. Not all M4V files have DRM protection, but most do.

M4V files can be played back using Apple's standard player QuickTime, but also using a number of other applications, which are discussed in the section on applications that open M4V files below. Before moving on, let's explore how to recover deleted and corrupted M4V files.

How to recover deleted M4V files

People often fear that they will never recover their accidentally deleted, corrupted and lost M4V files, but this is rarely the case. There are several ways to recover lost files after they have been lost. The right way depends in part on how the files were originally lost.

The first option that many users think of is to visit a data recovery centre to get the files back. Such centres can be found in most major cities and in many towns of all sizes. However, many people find it difficult and expensive to get to such a centre. Therefore, in the following sections we provide information on an easier and cheaper alternative.

How to recover M4V files using software

MyRecover is a free software solution that you can download for free from anywhere with an internet connection. It can be used to recover corrupted files and even completely lost files.

MyRecover - making data recovery easier

• Comprehensive. This includes deletion, disk formatting, trash emptying, system crashes, etc.
• User-friendly. It's easy to use and requires no knowledge or experience of data recovery.
• Efficient. It recovers more than 200 types of recoverable data, like recovering photos, videos, documents, zip files, etc.
• Compatible. It is available for Windows 11/10/8/7/Server users.

Follow the instructions now to find out how Windows easily recovers deleted files with a powerful tool.

Step 1. Install and run MyRecover > hover over the disk > click Scan.

Step 2. Search and sort detected files by extensions, file names, size, type, modification date, etc.

Step 3. Go to the deleted files > navigate to the original location > select the desired files > click Recover x files. Or go to Other lost files > select specific data types to recover.

Restoring M4V files from the Windows Recycle Bin

Files that have simply been deleted once go into the Windows users' trash. Restoring files from Recycle Bin is easy.

1. Find the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and open it.

2. All the files you recently deleted are in the Recycle Bin. Find the one you want to restore and either right-click it or double-click it. Both approaches basically do the same thing, but the interface is slightly different. In both cases, select the Restore button.

The system will replace the deleted file back to the location from which it was deleted.

Restoring M4V files from the Recent Files folder

The Windows operating system saves the files you last accessed. It also saves the previous versions of the files you are working with, so you can restore the old versions of the file. This is very handy if you have accidentally saved an old work over.

1. To access the Recent Files folder, press Windows + R. This opens the Start menu bar.

2. Type the word recent in the bar. Then press Ok.

3. Click on the file you want to restore. A drop-down menu will appear. Select Restore previous versions.

All previous versions of the file will be displayed. Select the one with the timestamp closest to the version you want to restore. This technique does not always work, but it is always worth a try.

Tips to avoid losing M4V files

• Back up files often: backing up files means storing them in at least two different locations. This can be approached in several ways. You can manually store the files on two devices or sync the files to a cloud service. Both Windows and macOS have different ways of doing this.
• Only use devices and software you know and trust: there's no worse way to lose files than losing them to viruses or malware, and no safer way to get viruses or malware than using unknown devices and software. Check all the devices and equipment you come into contact with before connecting them to your computer. If you have no idea where the device came from, it's probably best to avoid using it altogether.
• Save your work often: Design a system to systematise frequent saving, or automate it using the options in the app you use. Unsaved files can't often be recovered, so this rule is especially important to follow.
• Equip yourself with an uninterruptible power supply: power failures are often the cause of lost and damaged files. If a power surge occurs while you're transferring data, there's a good chance the data will be corrupted. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) mitigates this risk by continuously powering your computer, even in the event of a power surge.